Fresh Start launches mentorship network to support Aboriginal recruits in local government

The Minns Labor Government has launched a new network to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in NSW councils through the Fresh Start Program, helping them stay in their roles and build long-term careers close to home.

The Fresh Start Aboriginal Recruit and Supervisor Network connects apprentices, trainees and cadets in councils across NSW with mentoring and peer support — people who have walked the same path and will back each other to finish their training and excel in their careers.

It will support the 113 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recruits currently working in councils. There have been 151 Cadets, 444 trainees and 536 apprentices in total recruited through the Minns Labor Government’s Fresh Start program.

Members of the Network came together for the first time this week on the traditional lands of the Darug peoples, at Western Sydney University’s Werrington campus, to celebrate culture and build connections.

More than half of these recruits (51 per cent) work in rural councils and nearly a third (33 per cent) in regional councils. The Network gives them support from peers right across the state, however far apart they are.

After this week’s launch, the Network will continue to operate online, so recruits in every part of NSW can stay connected, share their experiences and continue receiving support and career opportunities to build their skills.

Since January 2025, the Fresh Start Program has enabled more than 1,100 young people to start careers in local government. Most of these roles are in rural and regional councils, helping young people build skills and meaningful work close to home, and deliver lasting benefits to those communities.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Getting these recruits into council jobs was the first step. This Network is the second — making sure they’ve got people around them who understand the same path, so they stay, finish their training and build a career close to home.

“I’ve met some of them. Katholka in Central Darling, Deane and Brendon at the same council. They’re doing real work and building real confidence, and they show exactly what this program delivers. The Network is about backing more people like them.

“There are 113 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in NSW councils through Fresh Start today. When councils reflect the communities they serve, everyone gets better local government. That’s what this is about.”

General Secretary of the United Services Union Graeme Kelly said:

“The Fresh Start Aboriginal Recruit & Supervisor program is a wonderful initiative by the Minns Labor Government continuing the much needed investment in new skills across NSW local government.

“The United Services Union look forward to local government realising the much needed skills that will equip many Indigenous workers with skills that would not ordinarily be available".